Edward John Kusnick October 28, 1933 - July 23, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Edward John Kusnick announce his passing on July 23, 2022. Ed peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family. 

Ed was born on October 28, 1933 in Stratton, Ontario to John and Elsie Kusnick. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Vancouver and then on to Komarno, Manitoba. 

At age 18, Ed went to the employment office looking to get a good paying job. He was hired as a hard rock miner at the Pickle Crow Gold Mine. Lying about his age, Ed said that he was 21 so he could go and enjoy a beer with his coworkers after work. Ed saved his earnings and proudly purchased a tractor for the family farm in Komarno. 

After leaving the mine, Ed and his brother Len got jobs as fishing guides on Lake of the Woods. Even though he couldn’t swim, had no life jackets in the boats, or knew how to fish, they thought this would be a great way to spend a summer. When recounting this time Ed recalled when he accidentally ran a boat straight up on a shore and had to push the boat back into the water so he and his guests could continue fishing. So began his love of fishing. 

In 1953, Ed moved to Madsen, Ontario to work in the gold mine as a diamond driller. This is where he met the love of his life Ramona Matiece who was there teaching school.

Ed and Mona left Madsen to move to Dryden, where Ed worked as an electrician with Danier, Stark Electric and Joe Molyne. Ed and Mona eventually decided to start their own business and created Kusnick Electric which they proudly ran for 35 years before passing it along to their son who is currently operating the family business. 

Ed married Mona in 1954 and they raised 3 children. As a family they enjoyed camping trips, fishing adventures and road trips to British Columbia. Summers were spent at the family cabin on Thunder Lake. When Ed would come home from work the family had a tradition of going swimming together. Mona would try and teach Ed to swim but he would sink every time he tried. They would go to Kimini in the Jeep, breaking trails through the bush so they could blow up beaver dams. Winters were spent snow machining and ice fishing. 

As Ed and Mona’s family grew, Sunday morning breakfasts were a cherished time when everyone came together. Ed would make his famous buttermilk pancakes which were a family favourite recipe. Ed enjoyed big family dinners and all holiday suppers were spent together at their home. 

Ed got his pilot’s license in 1962. He owned two different airplanes. The first was an Aronka and the second was a Super Cab which he shared ownership with 2 of his flying buddies. Ed enjoyed flying to Secret Lake #27, #36, or #45 for a day of fishing. 

Mona and Ed spent their retirement years doing extensive traveling and going on cruises. They enjoyed time together in Hawaii, on the Amazon River and the Panama Canal. They were Snowbirds going to Florida, Arizona and California to avoid the Northern winter cold. They bought a fifth wheel camper which they pulled across Canada and the US, camping along the way. They made a trip to the Maritime Provinces and especially enjoyed their time in Newfoundland. 

Ed became a skilled craftsman converting part of his garage into a woodworking shop. He spent many hours there creating keepsakes for those he loved. After a knee replacement, he built a knee board to help with his recovery. Ed decided to make some more and donated them to the local hospital for patients to use during their knee replacement surgeries. Ed was very handy and could help you with any repairs you might need. 

Ed was an active member of his community. He was a member of the Lions Club and served as their president for a length of time. He enjoyed his time at the Dryden Flying Club where he was known as The Flying Chef. Ed served for 25 years as a volunteer firefighter, and also served as the Hydro Commissioner. He was a member of the Dryden Power Toboggan Club, getting involved during the club’s inception.

Ed enjoyed golfing, curling, hunting, fishing and weekend camping/canoeing trips with good friends. 

Ed had a special bond with his older brother Len who he looked forward to seeing when he would come to visit. Growing up they went on many adventures and got into various predicaments. When they would sit and tell these stories their tall tales got taller as the years passed. 

Over the years, Ed shared countless cups of coffee in the company of his good friends. He always knew what was going on around town after these coffee visits. 

Ed is predeceased by his parents, his loving wife Mona, and his sister Shirley. 

Ed will be greatly missed by his brother Len (Eve), his 3 children Shannon (Jim), Lennie (Joanne) and Lori (Mel).

Ed adored his grandchildren who held a special place in his heart. He will be missed by Arin (Richard), Jenny (Michael), Chelsea (Sean), Megan (Mike), Stephanie (Ray) and Joshua (Amberle). He will be missed by his great grandchildren Sophie, Luka, Amelia, Caleb and Mika. 

Ed will also be missed by his extended family across Manitoba. Ed was companions with Ruth for the past 8 years. Ed and Ruth enjoyed each other’s friendship, going out for coffee with friends, gardening, working on puzzles together, and attending family gatherings. She and her family will miss him too. 

Ed’s family would like to thank the staff at the Dryden Regional Health Centre for their extended care and compassion they have shown Ed over the years. 

As Ed said right before he passed, he had a very good life.